17 May 2007
Media Release
Business Tax Reform – Long Overdue
The reduction of the corporate tax rate from 33c to 30c from next year is welcomed but overly cautious, said
Michael Barnett, Chief Executive, Auckland Chamber of Commerce.
“Australia reduced its corporate rates last year – we are doing it next year.”
They continue to have the jump on us and that’s not a good signal to send to international businesses looking at
investing in this part of the world, and it’s not a strong message to NZ businesses looking at their international
options,” said Mr Barnett.
Also missing from the tax reform package is the willingness of Government to adjust tax brackets by CPI
annually, which means someone on the average wage of $43,000 is paying an additional $2,400 in tax than a year ago.
ends